A CLEVELAND father is casting forward a lifelong family tradition, sharing the same fishing experiences with his son that once shaped his own childhood.
Joe Di Salvo, 42, said some of his strongest memories growing up were of time spent on the water with his father, fishing the familiar spots of the Redlands Coast.
“I think I was about five years old,” he said. “We would go crabbing out the front at Ormiston or catch flathead off Wellington Point. We would also catch whiting and occasionally snapper in the Bay.”
“These are great memories to have of me and the old man.”
Mr Di Salvo said that even as a child he had an important role to play in preparing for each trip.
“I’d pack the rods and the gear for the day and make sure that lunches were ready,” he said.
“It was mainly Dad and me, but sometimes my brother came, although he was less keen.”
Now, decades later, he is reliving those moments through his own children – particularly his nine-year-old son, Louie.
“He caught his first snapper at Christmas time. He was super excited and he had to tell everyone,” Mr Di Salvo said.
On special occasions, three generations of the family still head out together.
“If it’s a family day, we catch whiting off a boat in the Bay. If I’m fishing with the boys, we go offshore and catch pearl perch off Straddie or Moreton islands,” he said.
Fishing from his 8.3-metre Riptide boat, Mr Di Salvo said it was the thrill of the unknown that kept him hooked.
“What I like about fishing is the excitement of not knowing what you have at the end of the line,” he said.
“It gets the adrenaline racing, especially when you haven’t been out for a while.”
One of his most memorable catches came on a trip with friends off Fraser Island, where he landed his first red emperor.
“They put up a great fight, and they are a good-looking fish. I’ve been addicted to catching them ever since,” he said.
While he enjoys preparing fish in a variety of ways – particularly Thai-style, steamed with flavouring – Mr Di Salvo said his children were growing up with a strong appreciation for fresh seafood.
“Our kids just take it for granted that they will eat fish at least once a week,” he said. “Although their favourite way is crumbed like they get it at the fish and chip shop.”
“I think it’s better when you’ve caught it yourself. I feel proud watching my kids catching their own whiting.”
